Counter-Strike 2 will be released in Q3 2023

    Counter-Strike 2 will be launched in the third quarter of 2023, Valve has confirmed.

    Counter Strike Image credit: SALive Image Counter Strike

    Ahead of the launch, there will be a 'Limited Test' for select CS:GO players as Valve aims to sort out any issues prior to the full release.

    The game will be available as a free upgrade to CS:GO.

    "Today we're excited to announce Counter-Strike 2," Valve said on the official CS:GO account on Twitter.

    "Counter-Strike 2 is an overhaul to every system, every piece of content, and every part of the C-S experience."

    "Counter-Strike 2 arrives this summer as a free upgrade to CS:GO," the official Counter-Strike website read.

    "So build your loadout, hone your skills, and prepare yourself for what's next!"

    On map changes, Valve added: "Touchstone maps are classic maps with solid foundations [Dust II, Mirage] that players can use to evaluate gameplay changes between CS:GO to Counter-Strike 2.

    "Next we have Upgrades, [which] are maps that use new Source 2 lightning [Nuke, Ancient], including a physically-rendering system that produces realistic materials. And finally, Overhauls.

    "The oldest maps [Tuscan, Overpass] have been fully rebuilt from the ground up leveraging all of the Source 2 tools and rendering features."